Emirates have launched environmentally friendly new blankets in economy, as they give all customers the opportunity to enjoy their luxury lounges in Dubai – But at a price. James Hogan, the CEO of Etihad Airways has warned of tougher competition in the European air market and predicts excess capacity in 2017. Also this week, Etihad announce an increase of services on their popular services to the Maldives.
Etihad CEO Warns European Airlines will Face Stiffer Competition in 2017
18th January 2017 – Courtesy The Irish Times
At the Global Airfinance Conference in Dublin, James Hogan, the CEO of Etihad Airways shifted attention from shortcomings at his own airline to announce that European airlines would face more competition on both short and long-haul routes in 2017.
Addressing delegates, Hogan suggested that problems for European airlines would include “excess capacity in long-haul network markets and continuing pressures in short-haul point-to-point markets”.
In a move that seems to imply that Etihad Airways is still very much committed to its equity alliance, Hogan also called on rules that restrict non-European investors from holding more than a 49% stake in a European based airline to be eased. He was quoted as saying: “There needs to be a relaxation of those rules if airlines are to access the investment that they need,”.
Economy Passengers Can Now Pay for Emirates Lounge Access at Dubai
18th January 2017 – Courtesy Airline Geeks
For just USD $100 members of the lowest tier in the Skywards, frequent flyer programme will be able to buy entry to the official Emirates business class lounge for a four-hour stay. Handing over USD $200 will grant you entry to the exclusive first class lounge.
Anyone can sign up to the entry level, blue tier of Skywards so this offer is effectively open all passengers who would like to indulge in some pre-flight luxury. Silver and Gold tier members will continue to receive complimentary access to the lounge no matter what class of cabin they are booked to travel in.
Emirates recently completed a USD $11 million refurbishment of its business class lounge in Dubai. The upgraded offering now features a full-service Costa Coffee bar, a ‘health hub’ in partnership with Voss water and a dedicated Moet & Chandon champagne bar.
28 Recycled Bottles Go into Making One New Economy Blanket at Emirates
18th January 2017 – Courtesy Stuff New Zealand
Passengers travelling in the Emirates economy cabin can now enjoy fluffy new blankets that are also environmentally friendly. Each blanket has been made from 28 recycled plastic bottles that would otherwise have been sent to landfill. By 2019, the initiative will have saved 88 million bottles from being dumped in the ground.
Etihad to Increase Services to Maldives Over Busy Summer Period
20th January 2017 – Courtesy Gulf News
Between the 01st July to 17th September 2017, Etihad Airways will be adding four additional services on its popular Abu Dhabi to Male route. The extra services will increase the number of flights to the Maldives to 11 per week. The route will be operated by a two-class Airbus A320 narrowbody jet.
Etihad Airways is celebrating 5 years of service to the Maldives this year. During that time over 450,000 passengers have flown between Abu Dhabi and the Maldives with many passengers originating from Europe and the GCC.
Photo Credit: Emirates
